Michael Kayode said he learned of his first senior Italia call-up when the match against Chelsea ended, and he described the moment as "un’emozione incredibile." The Brentford defender said the selection came after years in Italy's youth teams and at 22, it arrived as Italy prepared for four Nations League matches.
Coverciano and Michael Kayode
Speaking at Coverciano, Kayode said: "Ho sempre pensato solo a fare bene in campo e la convocazione è arrivata di conseguenza. Quando è finita la partita contro il Chelsea ho scoperto di essere stato convocato ed è stata un’emozione incredibile." He added that the call-up came after his work in the Premier League had helped him improve many things, including his long throw-ins.
Kayode said Brentford uses a special coach for long throw-ins. He said he had that ability already at Fiorentina, but used it less there, then developed it further after moving to England. That puts a practical detail behind the selection: Italy is not only calling a young defender, it is bringing in a player whose game has changed since leaving Serie A.
Italia and Nigeria
Kayode also addressed the international choice itself. "La Nigeria mi ha cercato, ma per chiunque giocare con l’Italia è un onore e scegliere è stato facile," he said. The comment leaves the selection framed as a decision made early, not a late switch, after he came through Italy's youth national teams and won the Under 19 European title.
He said Roberto Mancini spoke to him and explained the tactical work he wants, and he described Donnarumma as a captain of great level. Kayode added that he has always watched Maldini with interest and that Di Lorenzo helps him a lot, language that places him inside a group Italy is trying to build around younger players who can grow together.
Four Nations League matches
Italy was preparing for four Nations League matches: Belgium in Rome on Friday, Turkey in Bursa on Tuesday 28, France in Paris on Friday 2 October and Turkey again in Bologna on Monday 5. Kayode said the squad contains many young players who want to do their best for the group.
His own route explains why this call-up matters now. He said missing the World Cup hurts, but can also be a new starting point, and he told fans to stay calm because the team is there to work and begin a new cycle. For Kayode, the next step is not a speech in Coverciano; it is whether his form and adaptation are enough to turn a first senior call into minutes on the field.
